Missouri fishing seasons

19 species profiles in our database list Missouri waters among their fisheries — including White Bass, Rock Bass, Sauger, Shortnose Gar. Below: what's in season month by month, where to fish, and the licence source you need. Seasons shift year to year; the official agency has the final word.

Best months to fish in Missouri

Months when the largest share of Missouri's profiled species are in season, from our database. Full calendar: What's Biting.

Missouri fishing calendar, month by month

Each month links to the species in season then, from our season windows. A month is charted when at least 3 species are in season.

Freshwater species in Missouri

Species	Season
American Paddlefish	Varies by watershed and local regulation
Blue Catfish	Mar–Apr–May–Jun–Jul–Aug–Sep–Oct–Nov
Central Stoneroller	Varies by watershed and local regulation
Channel Catfish	Mar–Apr–May–Jun–Jul–Aug–Sep–Oct–Nov
Common Carp	Mar–Apr–May–Jun–Jul–Aug–Sep–Oct–Nov
Emerald Shiner	Varies by watershed and local regulation
Freshwater Drum	Mar–Apr–May–Jun–Jul–Aug–Sep–Oct–Nov
Gizzard Shad	Varies by watershed and local regulation
Goldeye	Varies by watershed and local regulation
Longear Sunfish	Often most active in warm months; check local rules
Mooneye	Varies by watershed and local regulation
Ozark Minnow	Often most active in warm months; check local rules
Quillback	Varies by watershed and local regulation
Rainbow Darter	Often most active in warm months; check local rules
Rock Bass	Mar–Apr–May–Jun–Jul–Aug–Sep–Oct–Nov
Sauger	Mar–Apr–May–Jun–Jul–Aug–Sep–Oct–Nov
Shortnose Gar	Mar–Apr–May–Jun–Jul–Aug–Sep–Oct–Nov
Skipjack Herring	Varies by watershed and local regulation
White Bass	Mar–Apr–May–Jun–Jul–Aug–Sep–Oct–Nov

Where to fish in Missouri

• Mississippi River

Fishing in the Midwest

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